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When TV viewers got their first glimpse of Lee DeWyze, the shy rocker could barely even look at the camera. Now he's one step away from being crowned the next "American Idol."

Here's how the Mount Prospect native went from reluctant auditioner to "Idol" front-runner in a contest that will be decided tonight, with the final performance show at 7 p.m. of Fox, and tomorrow.

First audition

Theme: Contestant's choice

What he sang: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers

What the judges said: Besides the standard "You're going to Hollywood," not much else was aired.

What we said: "Mount Prospect native Lee DeWyze was glimpsed briefly during the final 'American Idol' audition episode."

Idol detail: Although DeWyze wasn't shown during the original Chicago auditions, he and Crystal Bowersox were highlighted back-to-back in a segment of the final audition episode, nicely foreshadowing the top two.

Idol buzz meter rating: 5

Hollywood week

What he sang: "One of Us" by Joan Osborne and "You Found Me" by The Fray

What the judges said: "You've got a big, powerful instrument," Kara DioGuardi said. "But I think you suffer from a lack of confidence."

What we said: "Whether DeWyze will muster up the stage presence the judges seem to find lacking, remains to be seen."

Idol detail: DeWyze made it to the Top 24.

Idol Buzz meter rating: 4

Top 12 men (Top 24)

Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits

What he sang: "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol

What the judges said: "I think this was the best performance by far. I think you'll do well in this competition," Simon Cowell noted.

What we said: "DeWyze has a lot riding on his time on 'American Idol.'"

Idol detail: In a group full of weak male semifinalists, DeWyze distinguished himself.

Idol buzz meter rating: 6

Top 10 men (Top 20)

Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits

What he sang: "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder

What the judges said: "You may be the one to beat in this competition," Cowell enthused. "You are the best singer and you are head and shoulders above everyone else."

What we said: "Though he admitted to struggling with nerves and pitch, all four judges loved the performance."

Idol detail: Hinder frontman Austin Winkler said DeWyze did his song proud.

Idol buzz meter rating: 7

Top 8 men (Top 16)

Theme: Billboard Hot 100 Hits

What he sang: "Fireflies" by Owl City

What the judges said: "You had a couple of pitch problems but that doesn't matter right now," Ellen DeGeneres said. "A lot of people like you. A lot of people are telling me they have crushes on you. You're adorable."

What we said: "Lee DeWyze didn't blow the 'American Idol' judges away on Wednesday, but he may just have sung his way into the next round."

Idol detail: Even if DeWyze's rendition wasn't spectacular, his song choice was. Performing a hit earned him cachet with the tween voting base.

Idol buzz meter rating: 6.5

Top 12 contestants

Theme: Rolling Stones

What he sang: "Beast of Burden"

What the judges said: "What's holding you back is your personality," Cowell noted. "... What I want to see, and I pray you're back next week, is for you to come on this stage, choose your song and have what I call 'a moment.'"

What we said: "For the second week in a row, DeWyze didn't come off as a top performer, but he certainly wasn't one of the bottom few."

Idol detail: Sometimes you've just got to be good enough to get through to the next week.

Idol Buzz meter rating: 4.5

Top 11 contestants

Theme: Billboard No. 1 hits

What he sang: "The Letter" by The Box Tops

What the judges said: "I've never heard you sound better or look more comfortable," Kara DioGuardi said. "You're finally owning the stage."

What we said: "If DeWyze thought Cowell was too harsh on him, he probably felt a little better after hearing the judges critique the two singers who followed him, who had some of the worst performances of the season so far."